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Strengthening Post-Conflict Legislatures

Authored by: Jessica Gomez and Carla Koppell

Categories: Statebuilding
Sub-Categories: Democratization and Political Participation, Political Transitions, Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Transitional Justice
Country: Rwanda
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Year: 2008
Citation: Gomez, Jessica and Carla Koppell. Strengthening Post-Conflict Legislatures. Washington, DC: Inclusive Security, 2008.

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Abstract

Productive, strong legislatures are central to healthy democracies in post-conflict countries, fostering political pluralism and acting as a check on the executive branch. Yet too often, following a conflict, parliaments are weakened by internal divisiveness, the limited experience, and skill of members, staffing shortages, and an overwhelming legislative agenda. Increasing women’s representation in government can strengthen legislatures. Part of a series that builds on a three-year field program on the role of women in Rwanda, this policy brief provides policymakers, donors, and program planners with strategies for the consolidation of democracy in post-conflict societies.